Peter Capaldi is the new Time Lord in Doctor Who

Peter Capaldi has been announced tonight as the new time lord in BBC One’s Doctor Who. The announcement was made in a live television special on the channel hosted by Zoe Ball.

The beeb confirmed on June 1st that current lead Matt Smith would be departing his role as The Doctor at the end of the year after starring in the 50th Anniversary Special in November and regenerating in the Christmas Special.

Doctor Who has been the most brilliant experience for me as an actor and a bloke, and that largely is down to the cast, crew and fans of the show. I’m incredibly grateful to all the cast and crew who work tirelessly every day, to realise all the elements of the show and deliver Doctor Who to the audience. Many of them have become good friends and I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved over the last four years. – Matt Smith

Stepping into the TARDIS is The Thick Of It star Peter Capaldi who has previously appeared in Torchwood and an episode of Doctor Who.

The BBC announced on Friday a special live programme would reveal the 12th time lord to the nation on BBC One and also across the states on BBC America.

BBC One is the home of big live events and this special live show is the perfect way to reveal the identity of the next Doctor and share it with the nation. The Doctor is a truly iconic role and I’m more than excited about the booking. – Charlotte Moore, Controller of BBC One

Doctor Who Live was kept a secret until the last minute with the TV Guides listing Celebrity Mastermind in the slot. Those sharing their love of the doctor included Rufus Hound, Bernard Cribbins and Liza Tarbuck.